Imagine a world without hackers. The reality is that without hackers, many computing and security systems would fail. Surprising, right?
The work of “white hats” falls under the concept of ethical hacking.
What are white hats?
White hats are skilled in running scans on implemented computing systems to check the strength of current systems. They also purposely hack an organization’s system to check any faults.
What are some key characteristics that distinguish white hats?
Besides intent, legal infrastructure also has a say in how to define white hats. This is because white hats need to be employed by organizations to do the work. It is therefore necessary for them to solicit organizational approval to hack.
The professional knowledge and work of white hats are purposely sought out.
Because white hats are legal workers and are hired to search for any holes in their computing systems, an organization therefore consents to have their system searched.
Quite simply, their work is considered legal and ethical.
In addition, with consent comes the idea of notification. When white hats are hired, there is an agreement and consequently, communication between the two is expected.
What are some techniques they use?
White hats actually employ the same techniques that “black hats” use. “Black hats” are the typical malicious hackers whose work is considered illegal. Technically speaking, there is complete congruence in their work.
This is due to their skillset being the same: the classification of white hats is centered on the intentions of all hackers.
White hats can pose as the typically imagined malicious hackers and employ techniques like software scanning and penetration testing. These techniques are geared for pinpointing any weaknesses in computing systems.
What are the benefits of employing white hats?
These weaknesses can then be reported to the organization so they can improve their systems.
Organizations that opt to hire white hats end up having stronger and better protected systems. By exploiting vulnerabilities in the systems, hackers are proactively protecting the informational systems of the organizations.
Their work is important for businesses to protect and update their systems to cover any holes discovered.
Who knew that hacking would prove to be such a useful practice?